Advice for pet care on Independence Day

By Daily News Staff

Published: Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 07:51 AM.

Onslow County Animal Services advises pet owners to consider their animals when celebrating on July 4.

A pet’s sensitive sense of smell and hearing can make fireworks nearly unbearable and burning wicks and fuses, sparks and bright lights can make a pet nervous. They perceive such things as a sign of danger. Create a comfort zone, a space where your pet can escape the noise, smells and lights. Place a pet’s bed or kennel in a room farthest from the fireworks and use radio or TV to drown out the loud noises.

Avoid feeding pets human food, which include alcohol, chocolate or dishes with onions or garlic, all of which can be deadly to animals. Ensure guests do not feed pets from the table. Also beware of discarded skewers. They are a choking hazard and can pierce a pet’s stomach and intestines if ingested.

Make sure your pet has an ID tag. More pets run away on July 4 than any other day of the year, according to information from the county. Prevent runaways by keeping pets inside during activities.

Watch pets to ensure they do not get too close to fireworks, matches, lighters and other flames.

Know which emergency veterinarians are open on the holiday and keep addresses and phone numbers handy. The Pet Poison Hotline is 855-213-6680.

Onslow County Animal Services advises pet owners to consider their animals when celebrating on July 4.

A pet’s sensitive sense of smell and hearing can make fireworks nearly unbearable and burning wicks and fuses, sparks and bright lights can make a pet nervous. They perceive such things as a sign of danger. Create a comfort zone, a space where your pet can escape the noise, smells and lights. Place a pet’s bed or kennel in a room farthest from the fireworks and use radio or TV to drown out the loud noises.

Avoid feeding pets human food, which include alcohol, chocolate or dishes with onions or garlic, all of which can be deadly to animals. Ensure guests do not feed pets from the table. Also beware of discarded skewers. They are a choking hazard and can pierce a pet’s stomach and intestines if ingested.

Make sure your pet has an ID tag. More pets run away on July 4 than any other day of the year, according to information from the county. Prevent runaways by keeping pets inside during activities.

Watch pets to ensure they do not get too close to fireworks, matches, lighters and other flames.

Know which emergency veterinarians are open on the holiday and keep addresses and phone numbers handy. The Pet Poison Hotline is 855-213-6680.